I was still in high school when Pretty Woman came out and it was a pretty huge hit back then. I haven’t seen this movie in over twenty years, but the passing of director Garry Marshall this past week made me re-watch some of the clips. This and Beaches are my two favorite films from the late filmmaker, and no doubt this movie is one he’ll be most remembered for.

It’s the 90s version of the classic Cinderella tale, as the protagonist’s BFF (played by the awesome Laura San Giacomo) puts it… Cinde-f*king*rella. The pairing of America’s sweetheart Julia Roberts as a Hollywood Blvd prostitute with former American GigoloRichard Gere as the to-die-for billionaire is just perfect. They have amazing chemistry that you’re dying for them to be together. And who doesn’t love Vivian, Julia’s huge grin and infectious laugh are so adorable!

I might rewatch it again one of these days. I remember it being a funny, heart-warming and of course dreamy feel-good movie with so many iconic scenes!

The soundtrack was a staple in the early 90s for me. Now, normally I’d be listening to a movie’s score more than the songs featured in the soundtrack, but for some reason I can’t remember the score from James Newton Howard. But the song compilation album is awesome. It must’ve been one of the CDs I actually brought to college and you know what, these songs are still fun to listen to today. It’s been great walking down memory lane listening to these songs this past week.

So here are some of my favorites…

I’m not much into sappy love songs, but I did have a thing for the Swedish pop rock duo Roxette 😉

My brother Paul was such a huge fan of Peter Cetera, both when he was still part of the Chicago band and his solo effort. I have to admit I was a bit of a sucker for his love ballads 🙂

…
Last but not least, the Kiss song isn’t technically in the soundtrack, but hey don’t you just love Prince!

It’s really devastating that Prince and Mr. Marshall are gone the same year! 😦

This was definitely a Hollywood fantasy film because a man like Geer’s character would never have picked up a work girl like Roberts’ character in real life. He would have his own service for that so it can very discreet, lol! Also, there’s no way he would’ve treated her like he did in the movie, check out this alternate and very funny version of the movie from The Chappelle Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isqs75k45qE. Ha ha! That’s pretty much how would happen in real life.

I do love Roxette’s song though, I still remember it played over and over on MTV and radio stations when this film came out.

Yep, that’s the point of that ‘Cindef*ckinrella’ comment in the movie as it’s an absolute fantasy! Yep, there’s no way someone as good looking as Gere would ever be THAT nice of a guy either. But the songs are great, I absolutely love every one of them, and they still hold up somehow!

Also, I don’t think there are any real life street hookers who looks like Julia Roberts, I could be wrong but from watching many episodes of reality cop shows, most of the street hookers who got busted didn’t look anywhere close to Roberts. Lol! It would’ve been more believable had her character were part of some high end escort service that Geer’s character uses. But this was the 90s and most audiences were still gullible and Hollywood didn’t care about being “realistic” like today’s movies.

Mwahahaha! Well of course they don’t look like Julia Roberts, if they did they wouldn’t need to be on the streets! Yep, I think this movie was a product of the time, it wouldn’t have worked today though some of the scenes are still pretty fun to watch.

Easily one of the defining films of the 1990s and of all-time. The soundtrack is amazing. Yes, “Fame ’90” is a damn good remix of a Bowie classic while I think my favorite song on that soundtrack is the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Show Me Your Soul” as that was when the band was starting to come around before Bloodsugarsexmagik. Of course, the title song is a classic as you can’t say anything bad about it while I also have a soft spot for “It’s Over Now” by Roxette and “The King of Wishful Thinking” by Go West. Yeah, it’s a Hollywood fantasy film but a good one. If it wasn’t for that film. Richard Gere would remain in obscurity and Julia Roberts wouldn’t be the superstar that we know and love. Thank you Garry, we will miss you.

Hi Steven! Glad you love the soundtrack too. Yep, Fame ’90 is awesome, and I can’t believe I forgot about “The King of Wishful Thinking” I used to listen to that over and over. It’s definitely the most iconic Hollywood fantasy romance that’s chock full of funny as well as heart-rending scenes. The moment she’s in the car as Roxette’s ‘It Must’ve Been Love’ always made me tear up. Yep, Julia and Gere owe a major part of their success to Mr. Marshall.

Pretty Woman was on television yesterday. I was so sad to hear of Gary Marshall’s passing. What a charming film that catapulted Julia’s career to superstardom. She was absolutely gorgeous. Richard Gere was a wooden doll,in the film, but ever so handsome to look at. I forgot what a great soundtrack! Thanks for reminding me, Ruth.

Mr. Marshall had such a big heart and that translates to his films. Julia’s got that infectious megawatt smile and she’s absolutely gorgeous. Ahah, Gere was indeed a wooden doll but nice to look at. Pretty much the same in American Gigolo, too! Glad you love the soundtrack too Cindy!

Pretty woman song kinda sums up the whole movie, but my favourite song has got to be It Must Have Been Love – yes, it is soppy, but I think it fits that particular scene perfectly, and it is the first time – there was a moment of complete uncertainty and sadness in the film…

Yes you’re absolutely right. The song fits the moment in the movie perfectly, it conveys the sentiment Julia’s character is feeling. I think it makes the song more meaningful. I don’t usually go for such a sappy song either, but this one works!

About me

Hello I'm Ruth! Film is in my blood. LOVE movies of all genres, from Jane Austen to James Bond. Official blogger for the Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF). I've recently completed my first feature screenplay & produced my first short film HEARTS WANT. Visit facebook.com/heartswantfilm

Trivia on Blade Runner 2049

Denis Villeneuve noted that he's fully aware of the immense pressure he's under, and how hardcore fans of the original view the prospect of a new film: "I know that every single fan will walk into the theater with a baseball bat. I'm aware of that and I respect that, and it's okay with me because it's art. Art is risk, and I have to take risks. It's gonna be the biggest risk of my life but I'm okay with that. For me it's very exciting... It's just so inspiring, I'm so inspired. I've been dreaming to do sci-fi since I was 10 years old, and I said 'no' to a lot of sequels. I couldn't say 'no' to Blade Runner 2049 (2017). I love it too much, so I said, 'Alright, I will do it and give everything I have to make it great.'"

Initially, Denis Villeneuve was against the concept of a sequel to Blade Runner (1982), as he felt it could violate the original. But after reading the script, which he and Harrison Ford have described as "one of the best" they have ever read, he committed to the project, stating that Ford was already involved at that point: "To be very honest with you, Harrison was part of the project before I arrived. He was attached to it right from the start with Ridley [Scott]. I met him and he's honestly one of the nicest human beings I've met and is one of my favorite actors of all time, so for me it's a lot of pleasure."

Jared Leto was introduced to Denis Villeneuve by his close friend Jean-Marc Vallée, who had directed Leto in Dallas Buyers Club (2013).

Emily Blunt was considered for a role but she declined due to her pregnancy.

This sequel is set to be released on October 6, 2017, just ten years and one day after the Final Cut version of the first film premiered in Los Angeles.

The sequel which takes place 30 years after Blade Runner (1982) is the story of new Blade Runner Officer K (Ryan Gosling) as he searches Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) whom has disappeared. In Harrison Ford's earlier science fiction film Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) which took place 30 years after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), The film's main protagonists Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) are searching for Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) whom disappeared. Harrison Ford played Han Solo in the Star Wars films.